Highly contrived and wildly fanciful, but I'm committed to these characters, so I keep coming back for more. I enjoyed listening to Alison Larkin narrHighly contrived and wildly fanciful, but I'm committed to these characters, so I keep coming back for more. I enjoyed listening to Alison Larkin narrate the audiobook edition....more
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISBN13):
" child rearing and nursing ." (p. )
"This article is nothing more than prefrontal lobe B.S. interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISBN13):
" child rearing and nursing ." (p. )
"This article is nothing more than prefrontal lobe B.S. There is no way an infant's brain patterns are permanently psychologically damaged at such a young age. There is no way that your prefrontal cortex will permanently adopt patterns that will translate into adulthood. No way. If that would be the case, then the last three generations to rule this earth - Boomers, Preboomers, Generation X - would all have been emotionally unstable and plagued with psychological issues.
Well, then, I thought to myself, I rest my case." (p. )
"The rise of loneliness..." (p. )
"...The harsher the parenting people were exposed to as young children, the more prone they become to support authoritarian or aggressive policies..." (p. )...more
As I continue my march through Agatha Christie's collected works, I savor each tale. That doesn't mean that I read the books slowly - often I rip throAs I continue my march through Agatha Christie's collected works, I savor each tale. That doesn't mean that I read the books slowly - often I rip through one in just a couple of hours of reading. I'm taking my sweet time by only reading a book or so each month or two, enjoying the ride. I don't know if I ever realized how many books she'd written.
This is a fascinating psychological study of the murderous mind of four different people. I am amused by the concept, but I know that I don't have the little gray cells that M. Poirot has. I almost never figure out whodunit, which, I suppose makes me love her stories all the more. I did note, however, that the term 'Mephistophelian' was used no less than six times. Strange...
I love that she mentions the title The Body in the Library as being one of the books written by Mrs. Oliver in the story, as it's one of her own titles. I haven't gotten around to that one yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
The narrative is engaging and the book is a quick read. Overall, I really enjoyed this mystery and I am looking forward to continuing my journey through Dame Christie's books. On to Dumb Witness: A Hercule Poirot Mystery next. I'm pretty sure this will be a reread for me, but I am looking forward to it.
May 2020 update: I have just finished listening to the audiobook edition of the story Mrs. McGinty's Dead, which features a collaboration between M. Poirot and Ariadne Oliver.
Since they referred to this story as the first time they'd collaborated, I thought I would listen to this unabridged audiobook edition of it next, even though it's a reread and takes me out of order in my quest to read all of Dame Christie's books. Hugh Fraser does a wonderful job narrating the book and it was well worth the listen.
interesting quotes:
"You like society, but you don't approve of it?" suggested the other. "I like it for short periods. To come back from the wilds to lighted rooms and women in lovely clothes, to dancing and good food, and laughter - yes, I enjoy that - for a time. And then the insincerity of it all sickens me and I want to be off again." (p. 65)
"As a matter of fact, I don't care two pins about accuracy. Who's accurate? Nobody nowadays... What really matters is plenty of bodies! If the thing's getting a little dull, some more blood cheers it up." (pp. 65-66)
"Do you know, Monsieur Poirot, I am completely at sea as to what you are driving at." "That is excellent, that. In confidence, that is how I get my little effects." (p. 111)
"Men don't take a lot of trouble unless they have...I mean, it's never just kindness..." (p. 178)
This book introduces the reader to a famous couple in the art world, Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude (née Denat). The story tells of thThis book introduces the reader to a famous couple in the art world, Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and Jeanne-Claude (née Denat). The story tells of their early years and Christo's eventual rise to fame through his passion of wrapping objects as art.
Although many of their art exhibitions are depicted through myriad colorful photographs captioned with the specifics of the location and theme of the exhibit, the focus is on the sixteen-day installation called The Gates, in February, 2005. It was comprised of 7503 vinyl gates placed throughout 23 miles of park pathways in Central Park, New York City. From each gate hung saffron-colored fabric, creating a vibrant orange trail and reminded me of the torii gates in Japan.
Neither of our girls were interested in this book, and I get the feeling that it would not fly off the shelves in school, except perhaps for those students who are passionate about art. It's the kind of book created for children, but appealing mainly to adults.
interesting quotes:
"Jeanne Claude says, 'Artists paint apples because they have the urge to paint apples. And if people like the art, that's a bonus." (p. 11)
"We were never poor, we were just temporarily without money." (p.15)
"All of our projects have this fragile quality. They will be gone tomorrow. They have total freedom. That is why they cannot stay. Because freedom is the enemy of possession and possession is equal to permanence. We have to have freedom with no strings attached." (p. 21)
"Usually the artists return a site to its original condition, but this time they improved it by removing 40 tons of garbage." (p. 27)...more
We discovered this book at our local library after a teen program (it was a Harry Potter-themed escape room) and I just had to check it out.
I loved We discovered this book at our local library after a teen program (it was a Harry Potter-themed escape room) and I just had to check it out.
I loved reading the Encyclopedia Brown books when I was young and this one was certainly new and seemed to be different from the others.
If you are expecting a typical book from the series, you may be disappointed. The very short anecdotes presented in this book are true tales that occurred primarily during the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI, and WWII, although other stories are included....more
A simple, yet direct folktale that highlights the terrible wastefulness of a life of luxury and wealth. The narrative is short and would be easy to reA simple, yet direct folktale that highlights the terrible wastefulness of a life of luxury and wealth. The narrative is short and would be easy to read aloud with a group.
The paper collage illustrations are interesting, but have mixed effectiveness. I was very impressed with some of the first pictures, but others are hard to decipher and not very easy to understand.
For example, I had to read the book twice to see that the images on pp. 28-29 are that of a turtle remembering or describing the scene of the panda wastefully washing the rice. I did not see the turtle the first time through, but perhaps it's just my own lack of imagination.
Overall, it's a good book to read with children and I like that it emphasizes the importance of compassion and charity and really shows how little our possessions truly matter.
interesting quote:
"What would life be without all of his possessions?" (p. 18)...more
With its graphic novel format, this informative and entertaining history book is sure to appeal to older children. It's the fourth book in the Nathan With its graphic novel format, this informative and entertaining history book is sure to appeal to older children. It's the fourth book in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series and I am sure that these books will be popular in the schools.
The narrative is comprised mainly of dialogue, and the cartoonish illustrations have a limited color scheme. I would recommend the book for older children, mainly those in middle school, due to some of the disturbing content and in this case, the 'gallows humor.'
The author covers the entirety of World War I in this book, but emphasizes a few times that it is impossible to cover every aspect of the war and lists several aspects of the conflict that he could not even begin to discuss, given the length of the book.
Still, the story is packed with details and highlights the major technological advances that transitioned warfighting during this time. It also uses anthropomorphic animals to represent the various nations, which lessens some of the graphic nature of the violent war, as well as helps to identify and keep straight the myriad participants.
Overall, it's a well-written story and really is a good addition to this fun and informative series. I like that the books cover serious, even difficult topics with a great deal of respect, but also a tidge of humor as well. I especially loved the quotes from famous people/participants in the conflict - the research babies are doing a great job!
interesting quotes:
"Belgium doesn't make war, they make chocolate." (p. 31)
quote from Ernest Hemingway: "World War I was the most colossal, murderous, mismanaged butchery that has ever taken place on Earth." (p. 121)
quote from John Steinbeck: "All war is a symptom of man's failure as a thinking animal." (p. 121)
"'It was called the War to End All Wars.' 'Was it? Did it end all wars?' 'No. It didn't. But it changed all wars. Men rode in on horses... and rode out in tanks.'" (p. 122)...more
This is an entertaining story that is really fun to read aloud. It engages the reader and encourages children to chime in with the repetitive phrase, This is an entertaining story that is really fun to read aloud. It engages the reader and encourages children to chime in with the repetitive phrase, "More Bears!"
The illustrations are colorful, cartoonish, and humorous. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I think it would be terrific to read to a group of children. ...more
I flew in support of this treaty for the last three years. I've had this book for most of that time, but only now that I'm finished with my job there,I flew in support of this treaty for the last three years. I've had this book for most of that time, but only now that I'm finished with my job there, did I take the time to read it. The book was published in April 1999, about three years before the treaty Entered into Force (EIF). Now, more than ten years after EIF, the various partner nations have flown over 1,000 observation flights.
There are many things that have changed since this book was published. For example, there are now 34 partner nations in the treaty, where the book only mentions 27. And the map of the U.S. shows Tinker AFB as an Open Skies Refueling Airfield, which has been replaced by McConnell AFB as an Open Skies Airfield. And the equipment and aircraft have changed fairly significantly over time. It's a quick read, but overall, it provides a good comprehensive overview of the treaty.
The information is a bit dated and the black and white photographs certainly show their age, but it's a nice souvenir to help remember my time with the treaty. You can read more about the Treaty on Open Skies here, and the wiki offers several links to the coordinating agencies that support the treaty....more
As I continue my march through Agatha Christie's collected works, I savor each tale. That doesn't mean that I read the books slowly - often I rip throAs I continue my march through Agatha Christie's collected works, I savor each tale. That doesn't mean that I read the books slowly - often I rip through one in just a couple of hours of reading. I'm taking my sweet time by only reading a book or so each month or two, enjoying the ride. I don't know if I ever realized how many books she'd written.
This is a fascinating psychological study of the murderous mind of four different people. I am amused by the concept, but I know that I don't have the little gray cells that M. Poirot has. I almost never figure out whodunit, which, I suppose makes me love her stories all the more. I did note, however, that the term 'Mephistophelian' was used no less than six times. Strange...
I love that she mentions the title The Body in the Library as being one of the books written by Mrs. Oliver in the story, as it's one of her own titles. I haven't gotten around to that one yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
The narrative is engaging and the book is a quick read. Overall, I really enjoyed this mystery and I am looking forward to continuing my journey through Dame Christie's books. On to Dumb Witness: A Hercule Poirot Mystery next. I'm pretty sure this will be a reread for me, but I am looking forward to it.
May 2020 update: I have just finished listening to the audiobook edition of the story Mrs. McGinty's Dead, which features a collaboration between M. Poirot and Ariadne Oliver.
Since they referred to this story as the first time they'd collaborated, I thought I would listen to the audiobook edition (with ISBN13 9780062229557) of it next, even though it's a reread and takes me out of order in my quest to read all of Dame Christie's books. Hugh Fraser does a wonderful job narrating the book and it was well worth the listen.
interesting quotes:
"You like society, but you don't approve of it?" suggested the other. "I like it for short periods. To come back from the wilds to lighted rooms and women in lovely clothes, to dancing and good food, and laughter - yes, I enjoy that - for a time. And then the insincerity of it all sickens me and I want to be off again." (p. 65)
"As a matter of fact, I don't care two pins about accuracy. Who's accurate? Nobody nowadays... What really matters is plenty of bodies! If the thing's getting a little dull, some more blood cheers it up." (pp. 65-66)
"Do you know, Monsieur Poirot, I am completely at sea as to what you are driving at." "That is excellent, that. In confidence, that is how I get my little effects." (p. 111)
"Men don't take a lot of trouble unless they have...I mean, it's never just kindness..." (p. 178)
When I first saw one of the books in the Mrs. Pollifax series, I assumed it was another cozy mystery. I was expecting an American Miss Marple. Then asWhen I first saw one of the books in the Mrs. Pollifax series, I assumed it was another cozy mystery. I was expecting an American Miss Marple. Then as I read the story, I realized that it was a fun spy novel. I think of it as a Jessica Fletcher-meets-John le Carré kind of tale.
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series and I was eager to read more about this entertaining character. This book takes us to Communist Bulgaria and Mrs. Pollifax does not fail to deliver an exciting adventure.
This story seems a bit more subdued and politically charged than other books, but otherwise, it's a very good piece of brain candy and I read the entire book on a long flight to Anchorage, Alaska. Perfect book to read on an airplane - I really enjoyed it. The only disappointment I had was that there seemed to be numerous typos in the book, especially in the beginning of the story.
I really like the characters and the plucky courage with which Emily conducts herself. I like her devil-may-care attitude and her sense of wonder and ability to take in the sights as she dashes about on her mission. I am really looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series, A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax
interesting quote:
"She's using herself, she's needed, thought Mrs. Pollifax, and wondered why so many people insisted upon happiness being a matter of ease." (p. 176)
This is a wonderful book that details the experiences of a mom of nine. Her reminiscences of the children she gave birth to, along with those she and This is a wonderful book that details the experiences of a mom of nine. Her reminiscences of the children she gave birth to, along with those she and her husband adopted are humorous, touching and poignant.
I have the weirdest coincidences in my reading selections. Sometimes it's themes or events within different books, and sometimes it's something I experience at the same time I am reading about it.
As I sat on our couch, reading in the post-rush of present opening on Christmas Day, our girls were busy constructing a figurine out of Legos with their dad. I chuckled when I started reading about Melissa watching her soon-to-be adopted son play with Legos in Bulgaria. How funny, especially since our girls never really took to Legos - they just never seem to play with the ones we buy them, so this was very unusual for them.
I loved her candid style of writing and her family's willingness to share their experiences, even the sad and frustrating ones. I was inspired by her world travels and her desire to adopt children from foreign countries. I appreciated that she told of her post-adoption depression and I am sure that more than one adoptive parent will be helped by her words.
As I write these words, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed a controversial measure banning the adoption of Russian children by U.S. families. It really makes me sad that such a spiteful measure was taken and I feel so ad for the 46 families who were still in the process of finalizing their adoptions, adoptions that are no longer legally allowed to occur.
Had my husband and I been unable to have children, we would have considered adopting a child from Russia. That never came to pass and we have two lovely girls, but a part of me wonders what might have been. But I digress...
Overall, this is a very entertaining and readable story and I am so glad I found it. I am sure I picked it out due in no small part to the humorous title and it was certainly a worthwhile and uplifting read.
interesting quotes:
"In retrospect, I see that Donny and I have steered by the light of what brings us joy, what makes us laugh, and what feels right and true. Those instincts have served us well." (p. 7)
"The little boy flew around the room like a bat smacking into the walls of an attic." (p. 63)
"Like Peter Pan, Babar, and Curious George, Balboa and Magellan belong to the world of childhood." (p. 341)
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